Crucial tests for women in their 30s and 40s for preventive care

As women, we spend our entire lives caring for others. From childhood to adulthood, we take care of our parents and siblings. After getting married, our focus shifts to caring for our husband, children, and parents. However, in the midst of all this, we often forget to take care of ourselves and our health.

It’s important to understand that women are more vulnerable to certain health conditions than men due to biological differences. For example, women are two to three times more prone to arthritis than men.

As women, it's important to prioritise our health at every stage of life. This is more important during our 30s and 40s because at this time our body goes through a lot of changes that come with ageing.

Besides a healthy diet and regular exercise, periodic health screening can help you make necessary tweaks in your lifestyle and manage overall health. Regular health screening can help you detect potential health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

Here are some crucial tests that women in their 30s and 40s should prioritise for their preventive care:

• Pap Smear and HPV Test
  Both these tests help in cervical cancer screening. The Pap Smear test checks for abnormal cervical cells. This needs to be done every three years. On the other hand, an HPV test helps in the detection of human papillomavirus and it should be done every five years.
• Mammogram
  Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, especially when they age. Thus, it becomes very important to get screened for breast cancer. Regularly self examine your breasts. In case you find any abnormality, visit a doctor and get a periodic mammogram, especially if you are above 40 years of age.
• Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checks
  When both these parameters cross the normal limit, the risk of heart disease increases. Thus, monitoring them is crucial for maintaining heart health, especially as women enter their 40s.
• Bone Density Test
  Low bone density is a common problem in females in their 30s and 40s, especially after they reach menopause. Low bone density puts women at a risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weakened and brittle bones. It’s good to periodically get assessed for a bone density test to check the strength of your bones and determine the risk of fractures.
• Thyroid Function Test
  Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are more common in women than men. Therefore, you should get a periodic thyroid function test to identify any abnormalities and ensure proper management of thyroid health.
• Blood Sugar Test
  As women age, the risk of developing diabetes increases. Get regular blood sugar tests to identify prediabetes or diabetes early on. So, you can make adequate lifestyle changes for better management of this condition.
• Pelvic Exam and STI Screening
  Regular pelvic exams can help detect gynaecological issues such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Sexually active females should also look for additional screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Remember every individual's health needs vary based on their personal and family medical history, lifestyle factors, and other considerations. Therefore, it's crucial for everyone to have open and honest discussions with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate preventive care plan for their specific needs.

Here at Aakash Healthcare, we have a team of female obstetricians and gynaecologists who will help you know what tests you should get and how to address if there is any health issue.